acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: A serious, often fatal disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the T-cells (CD4 cells), severely weakening the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. It is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids, most commonly via unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Usage

This term refers to the final, most severe stage of HIV infection, characterized by a very low count of CD4 cells and the occurrence of specific opportunistic infections or cancers. It is a medical and public health term.

Examples
  • The global effort to combat acquired immune deficiency syndrome has saved millions of lives through prevention and treatment programs.
  • Before modern treatments, a diagnosis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome was considered a terminal prognosis.
  • Research funding for acquired immune deficiency syndrome has led to significant advances in antiviral therapies.
Advanced Usage
  • Acronym: The term is almost universally abbreviated to AIDS in both common and medical usage.
    • The WHO released a new report on the global status of AIDS.
  • Epidemiological Context: Often used when discussing the disease's spread, impact, and public health response.
    • The symposium focused on the socio-economic drivers of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome epidemic in the region.
Variants and Related Words
  • AIDS (n.): The standard acronym for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
  • HIV (n.): Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes AIDS. precedes the development of AIDS.
  • Opportunistic infection (n.): An infection that occurs more frequently and is more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS.
Synonyms
  • AIDS (This is the direct synonym as the acronym for the full term.)
  • Immunodeficiency syndrome (A more general term, of which AIDS is a specific, acquired type.)
Related Phrases and Collocations
  • To develop AIDS: To progress from HIV infection to the syndrome.
    • Without medication, most people with HIV will eventually develop AIDS.
  • AIDS-defining illness: A specific opportunistic infection or cancer that marks the progression from HIV to AIDS.
    • Pneumocystis pneumonia is a common AIDS-defining illness.
  • To die of/complications from AIDS: A phrase describing cause of death.
    • The famous artist died of complications from AIDS in 1990.
Noun
  1. a serious (often fatal) disease of the immune system transmitted through blood products especially by sexual contact or contaminated needles

Từ đồng nghĩa